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Spy Shots: next generation Jaguar XJ
The next generation Jaguar XJ has been spotted by Car magazine photographers, though you might not guess it: the car is a test mule using the current XJ's body. Car's claims for the car, however, predict an XJ that will be make a much greater impression than the one the current XJ made when it was released a few years ago.For one, the styling is expected to be much edgier, inside and out. The new body, still in aluminum, will hopefully maintain the grace that Jags have a lock on, but move the car's lengthy design lineage firmly into this century. It is nearly 2008, after all. Design director Ian Callum has cited the CLS as "an inspiration to the design of large sedans," (you'd really think sporty sedans didn't exist before the CLS appeared on scene). We hope this doesn't mean he merely attempts to mimic a shortened rear-glasshouse-into-trunk for the next big cat.
Inside, the car will take many of its cues from the XF, and under the hood will be the next generation 5.0-liter V8 engine. The car might also get some high-tech LED headlamps (it's about time), but please, Mr. Callum, keep those XF headlights away from what is still one of the world's most beautiful sedans. The car is due in 2009 or 2010.
[Source: Car]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
iSpec 10:13AM (12/28/2007)
Next Gen? Props for enthusiasm over at Jag
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Mercury Fan Forever 10:22AM (12/28/2007)
I have nothing at all against Jaguar, But does anyone even care about Jaguar anymore?
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Andrew L 10:40AM (12/28/2007)
Why bother they are gonna be sold soon anyway
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DJ 10:42AM (12/28/2007)
As a very biased current XJ owner, I can't wait to see what Callum has up his sleeve on this one. Our 2004 has been all but bulletproof through 55,000 miles. Still rides and handles like new, gets 22-23MPG in TOWN and 32-34 on the highway, and despite it's so called antiquated looks, it still gets a fair share of head turners when it goes by(something Jag has always held an advantage for).
However, everytime I see a CLS, I think "Why wasn't that the XJ?" And to hear Ian say that's the direction he's taking. I just hope the new owner or owners if it's a combo, let him carry forward with his designs. In addition, under Ford's ownership, Jag has made INCREDIBLE strides in reliability. Hope that can continue too.
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Richard 10:50AM (12/28/2007)
Hell! I'd buy a Jag if I didn't live in the North East or if Ihad room for 2 cars. Why drive something that looks like everything else? Why drive what your wanna be neighbors drive?
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RDL 1:40PM (12/28/2007)
Richard:
"Why drive something that looks like everything else? Why drive what your wanna be neighbors drive?"
+1
Richard 2:19PM (12/28/2007)
An admission and a quote.
The first car I ever drove was a Jag so I am a fan. I have since, been lucky enough to be involved with dozens of cars from Alfas to Volkswagens with stops at BMW, Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Maserati, Mercedes, Subaru and Toyota.
One thing about Jaguars that you cannot say about ANY other marque: they are ladies. They are not cold, Teutonic or Asian copies of Teutonic engineering masterpieces; they are women - and I mean that in the best sense of the word.
The only other cars I know of that generate such passion are Alfas, but they have been gone too long from these American shores for folks to remember...and Subarus - just based on the volume of comments on ABlog - and my above noted relationship with several of their products.
All that said, if you want to feel real Luxury/ Performance - as only the English can provide, get your driving cap and your Best of Pete Townsend CD and get in an XJR!
500 2:55PM (12/28/2007)
Haha Richard, funny you should say that. I owned a Jaguar XJS V12 for a little over two years, and I often likened it to dating an incredibly gorgeous, but high-maintenance and unreliable, woman. A great performer when she was in the mood, but she'd stand you up and embarrass you at the worst possible times.
Richard 3:05PM (12/28/2007)
500,
Try a Ferrari if you want to say that.
You have to admit that the XJS, though it looked like an Anglified Camaro when it was launched, looks awesome today. When you do see one that runs.
sebastian mejia 10:56AM (12/28/2007)
I'm so excited! That's the new Curry Jaguar XJ and I'm getting three of them . They smell so darn good.....mmmmm
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Xcountryflyer 12:30PM (12/28/2007)
Jag definitely needs a new XJ. The current one drives great, but was way too conservative in the exterior. It barely looked different than the one before.
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Richard 2:21PM (12/28/2007)
Yeah, but saving those couple of years inthe mid 1980's when they had the cinder-block headlamps, Jaguars have always been the most stunning saloons out there.
Ben 1:58PM (12/28/2007)
I have to say that I think the relative failure of the current XJ has actually INCREASED the brand's cachet with the general public. Jags have always been rare, but now the XJ is about as rare as a Bentley Continental, and to regular Joes, this symbolizes exclusivity and status. Honestly tell me that a black XJ doesn't turn countless heads as it drives down the road. People assume it's someone important.
Also, I had a 1989 XJS as a second car until about a year ago. And that thing still gets approving comments from all sorts of people every single day, even though that car is universally trashed by us car people.
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500 3:03PM (12/28/2007)
Hey Ben, my XJS V12 was an '88. I picked 'er up used in '96, and it got a lot of attention, especially from females. I often heard "Wow is that a '97?" from girls. (Remember this was 1996.)
The timeless styling has long been one of the most endearing attributes of Jaguar. While I recognize that Jaguar must change, I hope they don't change the look of the XJ too much. I LOVE the current XJ. The lack of Jaguar dealers, however, is the dealbreaker for me.
Neil B. Chapman, Esq. 7:10AM (12/29/2007)
Richard,
You and I share similar passions: Jags and Pete Townshend music. I love the faux Jaguar advertisement the Who recorded on Who Sell Out. I think Jag should use that music to sell the new XJ when it comes out: "Everything they've seen you have seen . . . "
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